Color in the Shade

A shady bed or border is a delightful place to plan and to plant. More than ferns will thrive in such a spot. For a pleasant surprise and an amazing amount of color try the following plants: fancy-leaved caladiums, sultanas, coleus, and semperflorens begonias.

These plants appreciate moist soil. It should contain plenty of humus so that it is well aerated and possesses moisture-holding qualities.

Caladiumns and coleus have inconspicuous flowers. They owe their popularity to highly colored and interesting leaf patterns. Sultanas and begonias open blossoms in various shades of pink, rose, and red. There are also white ones. Both are free blooming and ideal for a shady location or where filtered sunlight prevails. Enough plants of one variety to fill a row of each of the four plants may be used, or a mixture of leaf and blossom colors. If one has access to many varieties, unusually lovely color designs in all pink, rose, white, or red, or a combination of two colors could be worked out.

Arranging the Border

The caladiums are started from tubers about six weeks before it is safe to put them outside. All the plants should be gradually accustomed to the outside air by setting them in a sheltered and shaded location for a while each day whenever it is pleasant and warm. When all danger of frost is past, and the bed is ready for planting, set the caladiums at the back about two feet apart or somewhat closer if desired. A row of sultanas spaced about the same distance may come next and then the coleus. Should it appear that these two are growing too fast and too tall, overshadowing the caladiums, they can be pruned or pinched back at any time throughout the season to hold them in check. The wax or semperflorens begonias make a fine edging plant for a shaded planting.

Mulch spread around the plants helps to conserve moisture..They will appreciate extra water during dry periods. When all is growing well, place a comfortable lawn chair in a strategic position and, whenever there is time, let your eyes feast on the gorgeous colors.

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